Shooting woes sink Vikings in sectional opener

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 8:23 AM

Huntington North's Noah Reed (second from left) slices through several Homestead defenders on the way to the basket on Tuesday, Feb. 26, in opening-round action at the Huntington North Boys' Basketball Sectional Tournament. The Vikings lost 59-33. Photo by Steve Clark.

The Huntington North High School boys' varsity basketball team picked a poor time for one of its worst shooting performances of the season and got beaten by Homestead, 59-33, on Tuesday, Feb. 26, in opening-round action at the Huntington North Boys' Basketball Sectional.

Finishing their season at 10-13, the Vikings hit just 10 of 42 shots from the field for 23.8 percent, and never seriously challenged the 17-6 Spartans. The Vikes were down 10-2 after the first quarter, were in a 27-15 hole at halftime and trailed 46-26 after three quarters.

Noah Reed and Caleb Landrum led the Vikings with just six points apiece.

For its part, Homestead hit 21 of 46 shots from the field for 45.6 percent. Trevor Osborn and Nick Gamble led the way for the Spartans with 14 points each, and Caleb Swanigan added 10 points.

In addition to the scoreboard, the Spartans also dominated the backboards, building a 45-14 advantage. Reed led the Vikings with three boards, while Swanigan snatched 16 rebounds and Seth Coate grabbed 12 to lead Homestead.

Reed also led Huntington North in assists, with two.

Homestead will face Jay County Friday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. In the first game Friday night, at 6, Fort Wayne Wayne, a 72-59 winner over Fort Wayne South Side, will face New Haven.